Benefit Auction Catalog

With more than a hundred fabulous items each year, all from generous donors, the Benefit Auction Preview Catalog is great fun to look through! And bidding on auction items is a fun way to support Acadia National Park. Browse the listings below, or view the complete catalog (with photos) in the PDF version [2 MB].

2015 LIVE AUCTION

Lot #1: Salzburg, Austria, 50th Anniversary of The Sound of Music

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the film The Sound of Music in Salzburg, Austria. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart and was the filming location for much of the beloved musical.

You and 3 guests will stay at Schloss Leopoldskron, dubbed the “Sound of Music” palace because it was the site of several outdoor scenes in the film and its “Venetian Room” was completely replicated to be used as a setting for the ballroom scene. Built in 1736 and surrounded by 17 acres of manicured grounds, Schloss Leopoldskron features magnificent views of the mountains and of the fortress. In 1918, the Schloss had fallen into disrepair and was purchased by Max Reinhardt, Europe’s most famous theater director and co-founder of the Salzburg Festival. He renovated the Schloss and added several opulent rooms. Today, Schloss Leopoldskron is home to the Salzburg Global Seminar. Karl Lagerfeld chose Schloss Leopoldskron for his December 2014 Chanel fashion show. More information at schloss-leopoldskron.com.

4 tickets to a concert or performance (specific event dependent upon dates)

Bikes are available for use on the lovely bike paths throughout Salzburg and the surrounding countryside, and excellent hiking is within a short taxi ride. Leopoldskron is a 15–20 minute walk into the old town of Salzburg, and taxis are readily available. Mutually agreed-upon dates, subject to room availability.

A ferry will transport you and your guests from the main island to a private oasis surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. The original house built on the resort, Pasture Point is set high on a bluff on 5 acres with a 360-degree view of the ocean. It is a charming hacienda-style home with 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms in the main house and 2 additional bedrooms with baths in the cottage. The house has a large living room, separate dining room, and an infinity-edge pool. The resort has 2 tennis courts, 3 dining areas, and golf nearby. All water sports—sailing, waterskiing, and a sunset cruise—are included. A full-service concierge can take care of your every need.

Perfect for couples’ retreat or family vacation. One week for 12 guests at private estate, 6 bedrooms. Mutually agreed-upon dates other than Christmas and New Year’s.

Estimated value: $25,000
Donor: Thomas Peterffy

Lot #3: In Pursuit of the Gentleman’s Game Bird: Quail Hunting for 8 at Gillionville Plantation

Enjoy a 3-night, 2 ½-day quail hunting experience in unparalleled luxury for up to 8 guests. Gillionville Plantation is the oldest Georgia plantation under original family ownership and considered one of the finest shooting establishments in the United States. The plantation is a refuge where the spirit of the past abides and family and friends can take home memories that last a lifetime.
Located just west of Albany, GA, the rolling, wooded property has been groomed continuously for more than a century to enhance its native quail population. The plantation lodge was the first and one of the finest architectural achievements the late Edward Vason Jones, a specialist in 18th and 19th century southern architecture, known for his renovation work within the White House and at the U.S. State Department.

Life at Gillionville Plantation revolves around quail hunting. Just as it was a century ago, quail shooting is done from horseback and mule drawn hunting wagons. Hunting parties enjoy the personal attention of scouts, wagon drivers and professional dog handlers who direct braces of well-trained bird dogs from Gillionville’s kennels.

Following each day’s shoot, liveried servants meet guests at the door of Gillionville’s plantation house. After cocktails and exquisite hors d’oeuvres, guests are served a glorious dinner prepared by our gourmet chef. All accommodations and meals are provided. The pool is available seasonally. Mutually agreed-upon select dates between November and March. More information available at gillionvilleplantation.com.

Lot #4: Garden Tour of Skylands and Breakfast with Martha Stewart for 8

Join Martha Stewart, American businesswoman, television host, author, and host extraordinaire, for breakfast at Skylands in Seal Harbor, Maine. Following breakfast, Martha will lead 8 guests on a garden tour of this historic property.

Lot #5: Escape to the Loire Valley, France: 10 days for 4 guests

Spend 10 peaceful nights in a beautifully restored home on the Loire River, in a little village near Chinon and Saumur, south of Tours. Enjoy the stunning countryside, biking, kayaking, and sightseeing. Visit Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Abbey de Fontevraud, and les Chateaux des Riveau, Langeais, and Sache.

Lot #6: Raise Your Paddle to Help Restore Acadia’s Historic Vistas

“The carriage roads were built so that more people could be restored to themselves in nature just as I was” —John D. Rockefeller Jr.

For many of us, the carriage roads and loop road figure prominently in our enjoyment of Acadia. When the roads were designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr., they featured scenic vistas that afforded views from picturesque to outright stunning—showcasing the mountains, ocean, beaches, streams, and forests of Acadia. Today, many of these are overgrown, with trees and shrubs obstructing the views and a rich cultural resource compromised. Acadia National Park’s plans call for the restoration and protection of scenic vistas—more than 100 vistas are scheduled for restoration in 2015 alone—but funding for this program is difficult to secure and sustain. Your gift will ensure that the park can preserve this unique cultural landscape so that current and future generations may be “restored to themselves in nature”—just as so many of us have been.

Your gift will help restore and maintain the magnificent vistas on Acadia’s historic carriage and motor roads.

Estimated Value: Priceless

Donor: You!

2015 SILENT AUCTION

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Lot #100
1-Week Stay for 6 Guests in West Mountain Village on Sugarloaf Mountain
A perfect ski or golf getaway for 6 guests at Maine’s premier mountain resort. This 3-level, end-unit condo with stunning views of Crocker Bowl features 3 bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, 3 ½ baths, gas fireplaces, wet bar, and plenty of room for entertaining. 2 lift tickets to Sugarloaf or 2 rounds of golf included as well as a gift certificate to The Coplin Dinner House. Mutually agreed-upon dates. No pets, please.
Estimated value: $5,000
Donors: Susan Ferrante-Collier and John Collier, Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, The Coplin Dinner House

Lot #101
Frenchboro Picnic for up to 30
Join Ildiko and Gil Butler for a special day trip to the Butler’s residence on Frenchboro including a lobster picnic for up to 30 and transportation. The residence is a beautiful cottage built with strong Japanese influences situated in the heart of Frenchboro. The garden, a masterpiece by Pat Chassé, is a remarkable space that is both calming and awe-inspiring. Mutually agreed-upon dates before Labor Day, 2015 or during the 2016 summer season.
Estimated value: $1,500
Donors: Ildiko and Gil Butler

Lot #102
Chef’s Dinner for 10 at The Islesford Dock
Treat yourself and 9 friends to a delicious Chef’s Dinner at the Islesford Dock Restaurant on Little Cranberry Island. Guests enjoy an incredible view of the fishing harbor and across the water to the mountains of Acadia National Park. Mutually agreed-upon date and subject to availability.
Estimated value: $1,000
Donors: Cynthia and Dan Lief

Lot #103
An Art Lover’s Dream Day for 8 at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine
Begin your day with a continental breakfast in the Farnsworth Art Museum’s Library with museum Director Christopher J. Brownawell, followed by a private tour of the collection of 18th- through 21st-century American Art with Chief Curator, Michael Komanecky. Enjoy a picnic lunch and private tour of the Olson House, a National Historic Landmark and the site of Andrew Wyeth’s iconic 1948 painting Christina’s World, in nearby Cushing. Mutually agreed-upon dates through August 2016.
Estimated value: $3,000
Donor: Farnsworth Art Museum

Lot #106
Design Miami VIP Cards for 2 Guests
Experience this international design show in style. As a VIP, you and a guest will have access to the Vernissage and all public hours of the fair. You will also have access to Art Basel’s public fair hours, complimentary admission to select South Florida institutions during the week of the fair, and access to private events and tours.
Estimated value: Access like this? Priceless!
Donor: Design Miami

Lot #107
Under the Stars Night Sky Cruise for 10
Join Bar Harbor Whale Watch and the Abbe Native American Museum on the 130-foot jet-powered catamaran Atlantic for a nighttime boat cruise. As the sun sets, explore the islands of Frenchman Bay and the shores of what the Wabanaki people called “Pemetic” (MDI). Abbe Museum Educator George Neptune will share stories about the Passamaquoddy relationship and beliefs about the starry night sky. Bar Harbor Whale Watch lead naturalist Zack Klyver will provide a short presentation on human and animal celestial navigation. Local expert naturalist and amateur astronomer Lynn Havsall will use a laser pointer to call out and describe constellations, planets, moons, and distant stars. Cruise leaves from 1 West St. Harbor Place, Bar Harbor, at 6:45 p.m. on September 9.
Estimated value: $350
Donor: Bar Harbor Whale Watch

Lot #108
Sporting Clays and Lunch for 4 at Ten Mile River Preserve in Dover Plains, New York
One round of sporting clays with lunch and shooting lesson for 4 guests at the Ten Mile River Preserve. Must be used on a weekday. Ammunition not included.
Estimated value: $525
Donor: Ten Mile River Preserve

Lot #109
Lessons in Cairn Building for 6 Hiking Enthusiasts
Join Waldron’s Warriors Cathi and Moira for an adventure in cairn restoration. In this hands-on experience, participants of any age will learn the history and craft of Bates cairn building. Next, the group will proceed to one of Acadia’s iconic paths and build or repair established cairns. A delicious lunch will be provided. Each participant will receive a Centennial Bates Cairn T-shirt while accruing volunteer hours in Acadia National Park. Mutually agreed-upon date.
Estimated value: $500
Donors: Waldron’s Warriors Cathi Goebel and Moira O’Neill

Lot #111
“Jetty” Stand Up Paddle Board
The Jetty is the perfect SUP package to introduce you to the fun of stand up paddling. The Jetty has a fiberglass and resin laminated foam core with molded-in triple wood stringer for stiffness and durability. It has a soft high-density foam deck and rails and a slick hard bottom. The board measures 11’ and comes with an adjustable aluminum paddle, leash, and fin.
Estimated value: $700
Donor: Acadia Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Lot #112
Eco-Tour and Wine Tasting for 4 Guests at the Honig Vineyard & Winery in Rutherford, CA
Experience the best of Napa Valley wine culture with an eco-tour and tasting for four at Honig Vineyard & Winery. Tasting includes complimentary bottles of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon to take home.
Estimated value: $200
Donor: Honig Vineyard & Winery, Napa Valley

Lot #113
1 Night for 2 Guests in “Dauntless Suite” at the Moorings Inn, Southwest Harbor
Enjoy a relaxing getaway at the Moorings Inn, located in Southwest Harbor on the Quiet Side of MDI. The “Dauntless Suite,” a second-floor waterfront suite, has a large picture window and an outside deck, king bed, sitting room, and private bath.
Estimated value: $250
Donors: Charles and Leslie Watson, Moorings Inn

Lot #114
Private Sailing Lesson for 2 in Southwest Harbor
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing or need to hone your sailing skills, this is the perfect opportunity. For 2–3 hours you and a guest will be guided by an expert instructor. You will rig and unrig the boat, learn about equipment, discuss direction, and get acclimated to the area. The sailboat is then yours to control, with the instructor’s guidance. A shore stop at Cranberry Island can be included.
Estimated value: $295
Donors: Charles & Leslie Watson, Mansell Boat Rentals

Lot #115
Night Sky Photography Session
Join Nate Levesque, whose night sky photograph is featured on the front cover of the auction catalog, for a night sky photo tour of Acadia National Park where you will take photos alongside Nate and learn the process of night sky photography. Following the photo shoot, Nate will walk you through the post production process to bring out the best in your night sky photographs. Mutually agreed-upon dates before August 8, 2016.
Estimated value: $500
Donor: Nate Levesque

Lot #116
Hike with the Experts in Acadia
A guided hike for 6 with ANP Trail Foreman Gary Stellpflug and his crew. Picnic lunch included. Available Fridays through Sundays, April through October.
Estimated value: $400
Donor: Gary Stellpflug

Lot #118
Wine and Cheese Carriage Ride in the Park
Carriage ride for 4 guests with wine and cheese. Mutually agreed-upon date and time between August 9 and 15, 2015.
Estimated value: $300
Donor: Carol and Rolf van Schaik

Lot #119“The Bixby” Women’s Shinola Bike
Each Shinola bicycle undergoes a precise, custom-level assembly by experts in their Detroit workshop within the College of Creative Studies. Shinola believes there is only one way to properly build a bicycle, and that’s one at a time, by hand, with rigorous attention to detail and using only the highest quality components available.
Estimated value: $2,450
Donors: Ildiko and Gil Butler

Lot #121
Custom Aerial Photography Flight for 3 Passengers
One hour custom aerial photography flight for up to 3 passengers between May and October 2015 or 2016. You choose the day, time, where you would like to fly, and what you would like to view. Flight can be rescheduled due to poor weather conditions.
Estimated value: $289
Donor: Scenic Flights of Acadia

Lot #201
Eric Hopkins, View from the Top of Cadillac
Watercolor over digital print painting (1 of 5) created from a drawing Eric did as Artist-In-Residence in Acadia National Park in 2000. This piece is a study for a wood cut-out piece Eric is donating to the Friends of Acadia 2016 auction in celebration of the Acadia’s Centennial. Watercolor and color pencil, framed 18” x 24”.
Estimated value: $3,200
Donor: artist

Lot #203
Private Tour for 4 Guests of Richard Estes Exhibit with Patterson Sims at New York’s Museum of Art and Design
Enjoy a private tour for up to four people with guest curator Patterson Sims of the Richard Estes exhibit at New York City’s MAD. Richard is a world-renowned photorealist painter and longtime Friends of Acadia member. Tea at Maison Kayser will be included. Available at a mutually convenient time between August 9 and September 20, 2015.
Estimated value: $1,000
Donors: Patterson Sims and Katie Holmes

HOME

Lot #300
Master Plan Landscape Design Gift Certificate
What you love about Maine, designed into your landscape by award-winning landscape architect Bobbie Burdick. Property must be within 50 miles of MDI. Initial consultation to take place prior to October 15, 2015, with the final plan completed by June, 2016.
Estimated value: $5,000
Donor: Burdick & Associates Landscape Design

Lot #303
Downeast Album Quilt
Original quilt design by Katheryn Russi featuring Maine and Downeast motifs. Pattern is “Album Style”, popular in the mid-1800s. Sleeve is attached at one end so quilt can easily be used as a wall hanging. 68” x 68”.
Estimated value: $300
Donor: Katheryn Russi

Lot #305
Two Swan’s Island Handmade Blankets
Swan’s Island handmade blankets are hand loomed by a small group of skilled artisans in Northport, Maine. Fewer than 2,000 blankets are woven each year. Each blanket is 100% wool made with rare craftsmanship and exquisite attention to detail.
Estimated value: $1,250
Donor: Peggy Engle

Lot #313
Maine Children’s Books
A must-have collection of Maine children’s books in an L.L.Bean Tote: Blueberries for Sal, One Morning in Maine, Journey Around Maine from A to Z, Cecily’s Summer, Miss Rumphius, and Song of the Seal.
Estimated value: $125
Donors: Courtney and Ben Thompson

Lots #502 – 512
Own a piece of history!
Vintage trail and carriage roads signs to adorn your garden, deck, or house. Offerings include signs from the Jordan Pond area and other popular Acadia trails and carriage roads. Ten signs will be sold separately.
Estimated value: A piece of Acadia— priceless.
Donor: Acadia National Park

ONLINE

Lot #600
Roger Daltrey Signed Guitar
Black Epiphone electric guitar signed three times in silver by Roger Daltrey of The Who. Pristine condition; only played once at a dinner by Roger.
Estimated value: $5,000
Donors: Kimmie Ross, Roger Daltrey

Lot #601
2 House Seats to The Book of Mormon in NYC
The Book of Mormon is a religious satire musical from the creators of South Park. It has garnered overwhelmingly positive critical response and numerous awards including nine Tony Awards (one for Best Musical) and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. An original Broadway cast recording was released in May 2011 and became the highest-charting Broadway cast album in over four decades, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard charts.
Estimated value: $1,000
Donors: Ellanor and Russell Notides

Lot #602
CNBC Squawk on the Street NYSE Package for 2 Guests
You and one guest will be granted private access to go behind the scenes for an on-air broadcast of CNBC’s top-rated Squawk on the Street or Squawk Alley, live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange! Squawk on the Street is hosted by award winning Jim Cramer, Carl Quintanilla, David Faber, Sara Eisen, Kayla Tausche, and others. Experience the excitement when the all-important opening bell rings, signaling the start of trading from the heart of the financial capital of the world. NYSE dress code and security screenings required.
Estimated value: $750
Donors: Courtney and Ben Thompson, CNBC

Lot #603
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen for 2 Guests
Two tickets to a live taping of Watch What Happens Live at NBC Studios in NYC.
Estimated value: $2,000
Donor: Manhouse Productions

Lot #604
4 VIP Tickets to the Wendy Williams Show
4 VIP Tickets to the Wendy Williams Show in NYC, including an autographed photo.
Estimated value: $750
Donor: Wendy Williams Show

Lot # 605
Wine Tasting with Ray Isle at Food & Wine Magazine
A lively, fun, and informative wine tasting for up to 8 people with Ray Isle, executive wine editor of Food & Wine, in the magazine’s New York tasting room. Can be tailored to any level of wine expertise (wines to be chosen by Ray Isle). Time and weekday date to be mutually agreed upon; must be scheduled before August 1, 2016.
Estimated value: $1,000
Donors: Ray Isle and Cecily Cook

Lot #607
Masterpiece Portrait Gift Certificate and Overnight Stay in NYC
A gift certificate for a Masterpiece Portrait on canvas with hand-painted detailing by Kramer Portraits, New York. Up to 8 people can be included in the portrait. Sitting will take place at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, on specified dates. Includes one 16” x 20” wall portrait and 1-night stay in king size room at the Pierre Hotel for the night of the portrait session. Unframed and non-transferrable.
Estimated value: $6,500
Donor: Kramer Portraits, New York